Chapter 38: Prep for her Birthday

Weeks passed as the two of us got busy and the trip didn't happen anytime soon which we didn't expect. I was loaded with school works and writing chapters for my novel which actually hindered me from having any significant free time. 

Yukino on the other hand was also busy with university. What's been worrying me is that her condition is actually getting worse. She's been coughing a lot more on our night walks and would get tired easily compared to how it used to be a few months back. She would often visit the hospital with her uncle to run some tests. Uncle would update me about her condition everytime that made it clear to me that she's got less than a year left. 

Then came March just like that and we even forgot about the trip. I was working as usual while the moon would accompany me once again through my process of writing my novel till late night, at times, even until the sun rises. I would purposely leave the curtains open so that I can look up at the moon for rest whenever my eyes would feel sore after staring at my PC for a long time. Seeing the sight of the peaceful moon whether it be surrounded by stars, clouds or alone in the sky would make me feel calm. It would always feel serene no matter what view the moon would offer to me. 

Just as I was about to go back to writing, my phone rang out indicating that I have a notification. Knowing that this might distract me, I should've put my phone in silent mode. I checked it and it was a message from Shin sent to our group chat. 

Since I've already picked up my phone, I decided to read it. 

"Yo! I think we should go to a concert!" Said Shin's message. 

"When?" Replied Hina. 

"On the 12th of March." 

12th of March? Isn't that Yukino's birthday? That's perfect timing then! I'll get the others to help with my surprise for Yukino. Come to think of it, what should I do? I forgot about it because of the workloads on my plate. Isn't that a week from now? Ah! What should I do? I'll think about it tomorrow, my brain's just not working right now.

"On the 12th? Sure!" Replied Yukino. 

Did she not tell the others about her birthday? I guess not considering that she didn't even tell me. If it wasn't for uncle, I would literally have no idea when it would be. But that's to my advantage, I'll be able to catch her off guard giving a better element of surprise. Hehe lucky me. 

The others agreed to go so I did as well. We'll be going to a concert of Shin's favorite band. She would always do this whenever she gets the chance to and she would invite me. I've declined most of it but I went with her once. The band's actually good and I really had a good time. 

"That's a date then! Keep your calendars open okay?" Said Shin ending the discussion.

I guess it's time to work again. Let's go Aoi! I shut my phone off and went back to working as I tried motivating myself which didn't really help. 

The next morning, I went to university on time once again. The professor really has been praising me after my grades went up by a good margin. I guess Haruto might be left out at this point. I'm sorry Haruto, but I won't be your partner in failing anymore, I'm a changed man. 

As soon as the night lectures ended, I rushed to the usual diner along with Arata and Kaito. The others were already there waiting for the three of us. We arrived at the diner at around 8:30 PM. The group decided to meet so that we can discuss our plans for the concert. 

"Now, there are three things that we must talk about today." Said Shin, her arms crossed.

"Shin seems to be a lot more serious about this than you guys think so I suggest you listen." Said I. 

"Heh? Do we really have to meet just for this?" Asked Haruto. 

Haruto was then rewarded with a slap on his nape just for saying those words. Shin really loves that band to a point that everything should be perfect when that day arrives. 

"Ahe-Ahem. Let me continue. First is the payment of tickets, I already handled it so you guys don't have to worry." 

"Really Shin? I can pay if that's too much." Suggested Hina. 

"Don't even worry about it." Hina was surprised by Shin's answer. "Second, is the time of our meeting, I got us VIPs so we should meet early about two or three hours before the concert. Lastly, you guys should act polite when we go near the artists for fan album signing. The tickets come with an album so you don't have to worry about it and just act politely. "

The others were too stunned to speak. I suppose they're either wondering where Shin got the money or how much of a perfectionist she was when it comes to her favorite band. Well, I wasn't surprised unlike the others, knowing that Shin is wealthy and that she loves that band so much to a point where she would want everything to be perfect when meeting them. 

"Now that you understand these three important things, the meeting is now adjourned! I'll remind you guys once again on our group chat" 

Before going back home, I asked Shin to come with me for a bit. 

"Hey! I'm planning to surprise Yukino before or during the concert. Even after the concert would do, so just help me okay?" 

"What's the occasion?" 

"It's her birthday! But act like you don't know okay?" 

"Sure, but what's your plan?" 

"Well– I'll tell you about it some other time." 

"No plans yet huh? Fine! I'll help you think. I'll call you later." 

"Thanks! You're a lifesaver." 

I walked Yukino back home since it was getting a bit late before going back home. Now I wonder what Shin would come up with for the surprise. I hope it's something we could execute perfectly. Well, considering Shin, she would always come up with good ideas when it comes to things like these so I guess I can rely on her.

A few minutes after I got home, a phone call from Shin came so I answered. We talked about the plan for surprise which mostly consisted of Shin talking since she was the one who thought of it. That's a good plan! That's really sweet! I hope that we'll be able to execute this. Shin created a group excluding Yukino telling them about the plan. The others teased me of how romantic the plan is. Just so you guys know, Shin was the one who thought of that.